Sears Recalls Kenmore Dehumidifiers Following Fire Reports

The recalled Kenmore dehumidifiers were manufactured in China by LG Electronics (Tianjin) Appliance Co., Ltd., of Tianjin, China; sold by Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation, of Hoffman Estates, Illinois; and sold exclusively at Sears and Kmart stores, nationwide, and Sears.com and Kmart.com. The appliances were sold from 2003 to 2009 for between $140 and $220.

The Kenmore dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, melt, and catch on fire, which poses fire and burn hazards to consumers. To date, the firm has received 107 reports of incidents, with more than $7 million in property damage and three reports of smoke inhalation injuries.

This recall involves 35-, 50-, and 70-pint dehumidifiers that bear a Kenmore logo on the front, top of the unit and that were manufactured between 2003 and 2005. The dehumidifiers are made of white plastic and are between 21 and 24 inches in height, about 15 inches in width, and about 13.5 inches in depth. The recalled Kenmore dehumidifiers are constructed with a fan and have humidity controls on the top, front panels; some models include remote controls and all models are constructed with front-loading water buckets.

The model number can be found on the right side of the interior of the unit when the bucket has been removed. Recalled units bear the following model numbers:

The firm advises consumers to immediately turn off and unplug the defective Kenmore dehumidifiers and contact Sears to receive a Sears gift card for either $75, $80, $90. or $100, which may be used at any Sears or Kmart store or at Sears.com or Kmart.com. The gift card amount is dependent on the capacity and year of the dehumidifier. In lieu of a gift card, consumers may request a check for the refund amount. All consumers with recalled units will also receive a $25 coupon that may be used at Sears Department Stores or Sears.com toward the purchase of a new Kenmore dehumidifier.

Sears Recall Fulfillment Center can be reached, toll-free, at 1.855.400.4641, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Central Time (CT), Monday through Friday; between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. CT, Saturday; or at the firm’s web site at www.Kenmoredehumidifierrecall.com.